My Rows and Piles of Coins

  

Tonight I had story time with just the boys.  As we settled on the sofa, Lucas picked out a book for us to read.   My Rows and Piles of Coins is the story of a young boy who lives in Tanzania.  He helps his mom at the market every Saturday, and when it's a good day, he receives a few coins as a thank you for his hard work.  He saves and saves his coins, counting them and dreaming of what he will buy. 

Unlike past attempts at reading this book, Keandre was riveted.  He is old enough now to start to apprecaite the illustrations, and studied every page and even asked a few questions.  E. B. Lewis is a talented artist, and every page was rich with detail.  It is easy to see why this book received the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award!

Afterward, I asked Lucas and Keandre what they liked most about the story.  Keandre pointed to the little boy's legs and said, "He's the same color!"  Lucas said that he likes the way the little boy saves all his coins and counts them up and thinks so much about what he would like to buy.  That is just like Lucas, and I love that this was just one more reminder that children all over the world have things in common. 

Puppy Puppy, Please!

Keandre is our resident puppy.  He has one of those stuffed animal backpacks with a 'leash' for Mommy or Daddy to hold, and it is one of his favorite possesions!  Of course, maybe that is because I have never put it on him and actually used it to keep track of him. 

We aquired this particular item when he found it at our favorite consignment store.  He dragged it all over the place until it was so filthy I offered to buy it before they could suggest that it was now my responsibility to purchase it.  That way I felt kind and gracious, you know? ;)  After all, it's not my fault they're floors were so dirty....

Keandre likes to put on his teddy backpack, complete with 'leash' and talk his big brother and sister into playing puppy with him.  If they are not available, he approaches me with his sad puppy-dog eyes (pun not intended) and says, "Mommy, no one is pulling me!"  Ah, sweet boy.  I will pull you. 

On the subject of puppies, I have to mention one of my favorite children's books, by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee.  The illustrations are by Kadir Nelson.  Amazing!